The following is a short interview with St. Louis metalworker and jeweler, Kelly Miller, whose work will be on sale during the Grand Opening Eventon December 5th! Miller works with a variety of materials including sterling silver, enamel, and steel. She is the proprietor of Hammer Stone Metal, and will be teaching workshops on metalwork and jewelry making in the Westminster Press studio.

1. In your own words, what is the appeal of purchasing hand-made, one-of-a-kind items? What has influenced the "Maker's Movement?"

The details and craftsmanship of “ooak” art is remarkable. People want to understand how and where things are made. There is a disconnect between the customer and the factory. I feel like the "process" has become more valuable than the label or brand.

2. How does your environment influence your craft?

Demolition sites are prevalent in my city of St. Louis. Classic textures found in the mesmerizing industrial landscapes have seeped into my metalwork. The repetitions of mechanized patterns visually anchor this work together. I embrace the mishmash of industrial aluminum, urethane foam, powder coating, and old tins, with precious metals and stones as materials used in my jewelry. This body of work offers a satirical yet aesthetically pleasing point of view on consumerism in America

We will be sewing portraits LIVE tomorrow night from 6-9pm at @stlfashionfund !! Come out to #stlcreativeprocess and hear from @caralouiseband , @luxandnyx and @forsyth_school ! Please RSVP at link in bio.